See It or Skip It: March Movie Edition

Hey guys! Hope everyone is having a productive and happy hump day! It's been a busy few weeks, who is ready for summer!? I know I am and with warmer months that means it's almost summer movie season! Right now though we are still in spring mode but there have been plenty of movies that pack a summer punch.

Zootopia



One glance at the cute Disney poster and you may think Zootopia is just a fun kids movie. It is but in reality it is much more. The film which takes place in the fictional world of Zootopia, where predator and prey live in harmony together, yes, that means none of the animals eat each other, covers racism, sexism, tolerance and everything in between. In today's world it is important for kids to see a film like this and some adults could benefit a lesson or two from the movie. While young ones will enjoy there are jokes for the older crowd too (try and spot the Breaking Bad nod!). One of my favorite films of the year so far! Check out the trailer now!

SEE IT

10 Cloverfield Lane



Hyped as a follow up to the 2008 found footage film, Cloverfield, the J.J. Abrams vehicle did not disappoint. The trailer was released weeks before the film premiered and left very little clues to what the film was about. I don't want to spoil it for you but it's not what you think it is. I'll just leave it at that. The movie proves monsters come in all types of shapes and sizes and some aren't always the aliens you see destroying a city. John Goodman is excellent in the film as a paranoid, conspiracy theorist housing two civilians after what looks to be a terrorist attack. I won't give away much more but you can check out the trailer here!

SEE IT

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2




Ok, I'm Greek and when the original premiered over a decade ago, my family loved the movie! It is still one of my favorites and if I ever see it on, I always stop to watch. It's a romantic comedy classic that was smart, charming and different. When I saw there would be a second one after all these years, I did not have high expectations. What a pleasant surprise! The entire cast is back and while not as original as the first, it is still a fun film that is perfect for girls night, family movie outing or a date. My theater was actually sold out when we saw it and the audience loved it. Yes, Greeks are very similar to the way they are portrayed although my family has never used Windex. We aren't that crazy. I don't think. See the cast Opa! 13 years later in the trailer here!

SEE IT

London Has Fallen



Gerard Butler is back to the save the day and President (again) except this time it's across the pond. When a master terrorist attack takes place in London, the president has to be saved and there's only one man who can do it. The film, a sequel to the 2013 Olympus Has Fallen, is non-stop action from start to finish. I liked the original, did it need a sequel? Probably not but we were granted one and for what it is, it's not half bad. The plot is basically a reason to see Gerard Butler take down a room full of bad guys reciting one liners and all while wearing an expensive suit. The movie is not bad, it isn't great either but if you are looking for a film to get your adrenaline pumping then this is the one for you! Check out the high energy trailer here!

SKIP IT in theaters and save for a Redbox or Netflix night at home. Unless you LOVED the first one or an action buff SEE IT in theaters.

Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice



One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year is here and has already made millions this past weekend. Opening to mixed reviews from critics, Batman vs. Superman is a thrill ride with two of the biggest comic legends finally meeting on the big screen. Why are they fighting you ask? Well, Bruce Wayne aka Batman witnesses Wayne Tower falling after Superman saves the city of Metropolis, an event that took place two years ago in the film Man of Steel. Not knowing what Superman exactly is, I mean he is an alien who has super powers, Batman worries Superman will go all villain on the world at some point thus destroying humanity. Or something like that. Watch the trailer here!

The plot is a bit muddled, Lex Luthor and Wonder Woman are also involved, but people want to see action and fight scenes with the title characters and they get both. I am not a comic book fan but I do enjoy the movies, not knowing everything about the characters and back history, I still really liked the movie. This film is not on par with the Christopher Nolan trilogy from a few years ago but I will say Ben Affleck is probably the best Bruce Wayne/ Batman of all the films made to date. As a rule, I don't listen too much to what critics say, I suggest the same for you. This is a superhero movie so I have no idea why it has gotten such a bad rap. It's not an Oscar contender but who cares? Sometimes you just like to go to the movies and have fun. Form your own opinions! Then blog about them :)

SEE IT

Hope you enjoyed my See It or Skip It for the month! Now go grab some candy and go to the nearest theater!

xoxo,


 

See it or Skip It: Movie Edition

Hello all! Hope everyone has started out 2016 with a bang! We all wanted cooler weather back in December to get into the Christmas season. Well Christmas has come and gone but now in January we have the cold weather! When it gets cold out I love going to the movies with my friends, seeing a movie then getting dinner or drinks after is my all-time favorite. If you go to the movies a lot like we do then check out Deal Flicks on ways to save at your local theater.

Let me give a see and skip it of some of the movies I've seen the last couple of days!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens



Ok, unless you have been living under a rock this has been the biggest movie of the year. We are talking Avatar-Titanic beating records big movie. I will admit I know next to nothing about Star Wars. I've seen all the films including the truly terrible Episode 1 (hey Jar Jar) but could I tell you the exact plot of all them? Not exactly. All you need to know is a simple...good vs. evil. Good (Jedi) vs. Siths (Darth Vader,etc..) bad.  I went with my whole family to see this on Christmas Day and we were all pleasantly surprised, even if you are not a huge fan or don't know tons about the franchise, you will enjoy this movie! Oh and all my Girls fans, Adam Driver is in this so reason enough to check it out.

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Sisters



Y'all...I flat out loved this movie. Tina Fey and my spirit animal Amy Poehler are perfect in this film about two sister, one is perfect and the other not so much. When they return to their childhood home and discover it has been sold they decide to throw one final party to commemorate their time in the house. It is the party to end all parties with some sweet, racy and dramatic scenes in between. Wonderfully written and fantastic casting make this film a must-see, I've actually seen it twice!

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Daddy's Home



I really wasn't expecting too much from this one, it looked cute but just ok. Will Ferrell plays the straight laced stepdad and Mark Wahlberg is the cool, edgy dad who comes back into the kids lives seemingly to get his ex-wife and family back. The movie was actually pretty funny and would make a great date night and a film pretty much everyone would enjoy. There is also a pretty good cameo at the end!

SEE IT

Watch the trailer here!

Joy 
 

Jennifer Lawrence is back in Oscar form in this empowering film based on the woman who created the the "Miracle Mop". Even with her house filled with crazy family members she rises to the top and transforms into the matriarch she was always destined to become. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and would not be shocked if J.Law picks up her second Best Actress Oscar this year. The film also reunites her and Bradley Cooper on screen as well as director David O' Russell from Silver Linings Playbook.

SEE IT

 

Watch the trailer here!
 

And one I can't wait to see...

 

The Revenant

 

The Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy venture looks to be one of the biggest of the upcoming awards season. I love Tom Hardy and think he is one of the most talented actors out there and will this finally be the year Leo snags his much anticipated Oscar win? This one hits theaters everywhere Friday, January 8th!

Look at the trailer here!

Hope you enjoyed those recaps! Tell me your thoughts on these movies and any that you have loved recently! We are getting ready for awards season and I want to check out all the nominees this year!

Let's all go to the movies!

xoxo,

Summer Movie See It or Skip It June Edition

 

I have gotten really behind on movie reviews so I figured I would just post a few quick recaps (also check out some of my best cinema inspired fashions for a night out at the movies!) of all the films I've seen since my last review (it's ALOT) so enjoy!

 

Poltergeist: They're here! Remake of the classic 80's horror film about a family who moves to a new home and don't exactly get the house warming they were expecting. Sam Rockwell stars as the dad who has lost his job and making the family downsize to a new location. Of course no one believes the children when they tell their parents there are things that go bump in the night. That is until the youngest daughter gets taken by some spirits that aren't too happy to have a house built on their burial ground. The family must bond together with the help of some paranormal scientists to get their little girl back. 

Basically an exact replica of the 1982 film, it offers some updated thrills and chills (that clown!).

See It or Skip It? If you are a horror film buff it's definitely worth a look. If you aren't, this is probably a skip it in theaters but check it out on DVD, Netflix, Cable situation. Or just watch the original film for a fun scare.

Check out the spooky trailer here!

 

 

Tomorrowland: The future is here and a lot closer than you think. You know the famous land at the Disney parks? Well, it turns out that is an actual reality and its up to George Clooney and newcomer Britt Robinson to take you there. Shout out to Hugh Laurie who nails his villain role and the special effects are amazing.

 

See It or Skip It: See it! A great summer film for adults and kids. Disney fans will definitely spot out things from the park that match the story. A cool movie that isn't a sequel or rely on superheroes to tell an original idea. Sometimes the film get a little muddled down but the pacing picks up at the right and doesn't look back. Plus, can you really go wrong with casting George Clooney? The answer is no.

Check out the future here!

Entourage:The hit HBO series finally comes to the big screen. The gang Vinnie (Adrian Greenier) Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) Drama (Kevin Dillon) and super agent Ari (Jeremy Piven) are all here and making a film which Vinnie is not only starring in but directing. Things get a little complicated when the film goes majorly over budget and the studio wants answers. Enter Billy Bob Thorton's Texan character who is financing the film and explains to Ari he isn't spending another dime till he sees the film. Ari heads back to LA with the exec's son (played by an unrecognizable Haley Joel Osment...yes that Haley Joel Osment) to get the film finished. Of course this is a movie so nothing ever goes according to plan.
 

See It or Skip It: See it! This film was hilarious and if you have any interest in the entertainment industry you will enjoy it! Also, the wide array of celebrity cameos is an added bonus to the fun vibe of the movie (oh hey Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, Pharrell, and Rhonda Rousey just to name a few. There are tons!). The characters based off actor Mark Wahlberg and his own entourage even show up.

Preview the film now!
 

 

Jurassic World: Some 20 years or so after the original first took a bite out of the box office and some say created the rise of the summer blockbuster, the dinosaurs are back and the park is open. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard star in this summer adventure about the famed dinosaur theme park. Just so you know, there are lots of...teeth.

See It or Skip It? See this movie!! It is by far my favorite film of the summer (so far) it plays homage to the original film (and seems to forget all about those less than stellar sequels) and it's interesting to see the park as an actual reality. Chris Pratt and his raptor gang pretty much steal the show but Bryce Dallas Howard and the kid actors do great too. Everything you want in a summer movie in one film!

Take a peek at the film here!

Insidious Chapter 3: The third installment of the horror series which stars Dermont Mulroney and former Disney channel star Stefanie Scott is a prequel to the original film. The storyline mainly focuses on a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has a difficult time dealing with her mother's death and tries to reach her on the other side. Of course all the dead turn out to be listening and she gets a visit from a spirit...and it's definitely not her mom.

See It or Skip It? If you enjoy scary movies this is a must-see!  If you don't, I would stay away. The Insidious series is scary and this is coming from someone who rarely ever get scared during movies. The trilogy reminds me of older horror films before they all gave way to slasher fueled Jigsaw/Freddy Krueger/Jason/Chucky style films. They are legit creepy and this one is no exception and the ending...if you like the first movie of the series definitely check out this prequel!

Take a look (just don't get too scared!) now!
 

 

Here are some fun cinema inspired fashions for your next movie night out (or in)!

Popcorn Clutch

Mad Max Parody Shirt ($20 on sale!)

 

Jurassic Park Running Tank ($20 on sale!)

Mad Max Tee ($20 on sale!)
 

Kate Spade Cinema Clutch

Horror Movie Evening Bag

Book Clutch

Cakeworthy Squad Goals Tee

Inside Out Phone Cases

Terminator Parody Tee (only $20 on sale)

Fast and Furious Sloth Tee ($20 on sale!)


 

Mad Max: Fury Road Review

Not going to lie my favorite character in 2012's The Dark Knight Rises is Bane. Yes, the masked villain who tries to destroy Batman and the city of Gotham. But, I have my reasons, mostly being he is played by the extremely talented Tom Hardy, which was why I was thrilled to find out that the he would be starring as the title character of the 2015 reboot of Mad Max. It did not disappoint! This is one of the most entertaining and interesting films of the summer (just my opinion) and of course who doesn't want more Tom Hardy in their life?

**Mild Spoilers**

The film just begins, if that makes sense, right away there is a action-heavy chase sequence involving Max (Tom Hardy) and the brigade of cult members (mostly dressed in skeleton attire? I guess Hot Topic still exist even after the earth has basically been destroyed) chasing after him. The gang in pursuit of Max are simply known as the "War Boys". Unfortunately, the group does capture Max and he subsequently becomes  a "blood bag" which is later used for an injured War Boy, Nux (Nicholas Hault). The films moves quickly along as we learn that this part of earth has become a wasteland and there is not much water, gasoline or essentially a way of life in the desert since it is being withheld from the people by the cult leader, Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). Furiosa (Charlize Theron) drives an oil rig (like a hardcore oil rig complete with spikes and ammunition) and appears to work with Joe, that is until she decides to helps his five wives (or "breeders" as they say in the film) escape from the dessert. Intense action follows after Joe realizes this and that's where the movie really picks up. Max does escape from his "blood bag" status and hesitantly joins Furiosa and the wives to find new land, or the "Green Place" as Furiosa calls it as she remembers it. But it is not an easy ride and Max and Furiosa soon learn they need to trust each other to survive.

This movie is NON-STOP action so if you aren't into things getting blown up, loud noises or chase scenes with armed oil tanks then odds are you won't love this movie. But, if you are wanting an interesting, well-directed, and entertaining film, you'll enjoy it! The acting is well done even if the lead character barely says 10 words and I know everyone seems to be enjoying Charlize Theron's performance and her character is a big step for women in action films, one thing that is really cool is that Max and Furiosa are equals which is not something typical in this genre. Also, don't worry if you haven't seen any of the previous Mad Max films (the Mel Gibson versions from the 70's-80's), I had only seen parts of them and I knew exactly what was happening in this film. I went with friends who all have different tastes in movies and we all agreed that this was one we would see again in theaters. Check it out!

Take a peek at Mad Max: Fury Road here and listen to Tom Hardy talk about the film.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Directed by: George Miller

Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlie Theron, Nicholas Hault, Hugh Keays-Byrne

Have you seen Mad Max: Fury Road? Did you like Tom Hardy in the role? Plans on seeing the film? Let me know you thoughts!

Avengers: Age of Ultron Review

Like millions of you last weekend, my friends and I checked out Avengers: Age of Ultron. Some of my friends are into comic book movies, some have no idea (check out my post here if that's you!) and some just came to see Chris Hemsworth. We all agreed after this film...it was very entertaining! Ok, you know it won't win all the oscars (except special effects, which are very well done), some parts of the plot don't make sense and no, none of this could ever happen in the real world. But, isn't that what makes the perfect summer movie? Here's my take (minor spoilers)!

Age of Ultron is similar to the first Avengers film that came out back in 2012. Except this time the Avengers have to come together to take on the artificial intelligence known as Ultron (voiced by the superb James Spader). How does Ultron come about? Well, technically it's some of the Avengers fault. Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) and Bruce Banner aka The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) create Ultron to help bring peace to the world. Yeah, that doesn't happen. Instead he wants to not only destroy the Avengers but also human civilization (picture a world filled with nothing but robots). The superheroes must band together to stop the destruction. 

I thought the plot was well written and I yes, it is similar to the last movie, I'm not sure how you can change it up too much. The actors seem like they are having a blast playing their respected characters. There is some romance between Black Widow (JohansIson) and The Hulk (Ruffalo), they have some chemistry but I will admit she has more with Captain America (Chris Evans). I feel like the audience learns more about Black Widow but her character could be shaped more (maybe time for a Black Widow stand alone film?). She and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), who we learn ALOT about in this film just seem kind of there at times. But when you have this many characters, I get you can't carve out every individual aspect. My favorite character may have just been villain Ultron. Flat out...he's creepy, intelligent and quick with the one liners. Although I don't really understand why he's so obsessed with getting rid of the Avengers (especially his dislike of Iron Man), but you do have to realize it's just a movie. The other new characters, twins Scarlet Witch (Olson) and Quicksilver (Taylor-Johnson) are a welcome addition, it's weird that they played husband and wife in last summer's blockbuster Godzilla and actually have better chemistry in this film where they are portraying siblings. The whole cast seems to appear to be having a great time in their roles and this film is perfect for a night out with friends, family or if you just want to watch some stuff blow up for two and a half hours. I have heard some fans didn't care for it, and others have already seen it multiple times, while I know nothing about the comics, I really enjoyed it!

While you debate on seeing the film, check out Jeremy Renner singing about his character Hawkeye to the tune of Ed Sheeran on Jimmy Fallon .

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Directed by: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olson, Aaron Tyler-Johnson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel Jackson

Did you see the film? What did you think? What summer movie are you most looking forward to? I want to know!

 

While We're Young Review

While We're Young

Directed by: Noah Baumbach

Starring: Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried

 

The indie dramedy, While We're Young, tells the story of a 40-something married couple, Josh (Stiller) and Cornelia (Watts), who begin to feel distanced from their friends who have children. After attending one of Josh's film classes, they meet a young, hipster couple, Jamie (Driver) and Darby (Seyfried) and begin to have a youthful revival of their lives. But, soon find out the friendship isn't all that it seems.

Stiller (who I personally like acting wise, I'm not ashamed to say Along Came Polly is one of my favorite movies), plays struggling film documentary maker Josh, who has failed to release a new film in years but has been working on a specific historical one for at least ten years. Cornelia (portrayed by Watts) is a more successful film producer, presumably due to the fact her father is a well known filmmaker. As soon as you see them both on screen the scene portrays them uncomfortable around their longtime friends who have just become parents. It's clear they no longer have much in common with their pals as the dynamic has shifted from friends to baby. Josh and Cornelia appear to be a average, happy married couple even though they can't remember the last time they took a vacation or shocked to see how long ago a certain event was. They are getting older...and they realize this. Josh teaches a non-credit film course and after a painful class (Josh doesn't know how to fix a PowerPoint), Jamie and Darby come over to introduce themselves. Jamie ( Driver, who is more commonly known for his work on the HBO hit Girls) and Darby (Seyfried) are the quintessential hipster, Brooklyn couple. They ride bikes everywhere, make vintage products seem cooler than what they are, and at first appear to be a perfect couple. Josh is taken with the couple and soon introduces them to Cornelia, who has her doubts about Jamie but likes Darby. Soon Josh and Cornelia are blowing off their older friends to hang out with their new, young friends. Josh decides to help Jamie follow his dreams and help him make a documentary on a Facebook style project. Through the filming, Josh begins to realize how entitled Jamie is and it take a look at young people today and differences of the past and a look towards the future.

The acting was great! Stiller and Watts were perfect in their roles, even though I'm in my 20's I could emphasize with the couple. In one scene, Cornelia sees one of her best friends out with her new "mommy friends" and they invite her to come along to a Wiggles-esque show with the babies. It shows exactly how people with no children feel when they attend something of that nature. Stiller acts similar in many of his films, I'm glad he didn't go too over the top and loud with the role. It's clear his character wants to emulate his new, young friend and Stiller does a great job with that (love it when Jeff begins dressing like Jamie complete with a fedora style hat).  Adam Driver is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors, I've been watching Girls since the first season and he keeps getting better and better. He just sort of has that appeal to him, he can play the trendy, fun hipster guy because that's what he appears to be in real life. However, I'm not sure the writers had to make him so unlikeable in this film. Or maybe it could have been done more gradual, Jamie goes from charming to sleazy in just a few scenes. But, if the point was to make the audience dislike him then they did their job. Seyfried is a good actress but she just seems kind of there in this movie. I wish you could have gotten to see more of Jamie and Darby without Cornelia and Josh so you could have more of a feel of the couple and their relationship. Still, I think all the actors did wonderful in their respected roles.

I won't give away everything that happens in the movie but I think the ending was pretty clever and makes you think at the same time. I would recommend this indie, perfect for date night or a night out with friends. Watch the trailer to While We're Young here!


While We're Young is in theaters everywhere now.


Let me know if you've seen this film! Did you like it? Plan on seeing it?



 

The Age of Adaline Review

On Tuesday, I got to attend a sneak preview of the new drama The Age of Adaline starring Blake Lively, Michael Huism, Ellen Burnstyn and Harrson Ford. The film, which tells the story of a young woman, Adaline, (played by Blake Lively) who never ages after she survives a bizarre accident involving lightning. Adaline never ages past 29 (a dream for most haha) but you see her life through a series of flashbacks as well as current day. She meets Ellis (Michael Huism) on New Years Eve in present time and finally opens up to the possibility of having a "real life". 

I was very interested in seeing this film since it seemed unique and with summer movies approaching filled with fast cars, robots and super heroes it was a nice break from usual suspects in theaters right now. So, when one of my fellow movie buff buddies invited me to the sneak preview I knew I was in! 

 

First, I think the actors did a great job in their roles. While I was in high school then college, Gossip Girl was a prominent TV favorite for myself so I have been a fan of Blake Lively for a few years. She definitely looked the part, she can pull off the "old Hollywood" look and if you love fashion you will be obsessed with the clothes in this film! This was my first time seeing Michael Huism on screen and he was reminiscent of Shia LaBeouf for some reason to me in looks but I enjoyed his screen time and he and Lively appeared to have good chemistry. Ellen Burnstyn plays Adaline's daughter (who does age while her mother stays young), was wonderful in the time she was on screen. I would have liked to have seen more of her and I wish the film had focused more on the mother-daughter relationship, it is a very unique circumstance to think you are in your late 70's while your mother continues to be in her late 20's. Check out the film Requiem for a Dream to see what a powerhouse actress Burnstyn is. Harrison Ford is one of my favorite actors (who hasn't had a crush on him?) and thought he did well in the role of William, Ellis's dad, who also knew Adaline years ago (plus they dated!). What's amazing is actor Anthony Ingruber who portrays young William in the flashbacks, I honestly thought it was CGI of the real Harrison Ford until I looked at the IMDB page. Seriously see this film just to see the uncanny resemblance in looks and voice, it's spot on. 

The storyline is interesting with elements of drama, touches of comedy and romance with a hint of sci-fi components. The only thing that I would have changed besides more of the mother-daughter relationship is the fact that William and Adaline dated (and seemed to be very much in love), maybe it's just me but it was a little gross to think about having once dated your boyfriend's father. I would have preferred them to just have been friends from the past or maybe not make Ellis the son of William. However, all the actors had chemistry with each other and made for an intriguing film. 

I would highly recommend this film and it's perfect for a girls night out, date night or if you just want a break from giant dinosaurs or talking robots. A unique film that delivers with a well rounded cast. Definitely check this one out in theaters!

Get your snacks and hit the theater!

 

The Age of Adaline opens in all theaters tomorrow (Friday, April 24).